Apparatus for batch dyeing

ABSTRACT

A dyeing chamber has a fluid-tight cover in its front wall, and has a drive shaft extending through a fluid-tight seal in its rear wall. A fitting on the end of the drive shaft is adapted to be coupled selectively with any one of a variety of goodscarrying members, for rotating such member in the chamber.

United States Patent Schuierer [4 1 May 2, 1972 [541 APPARATUS FOR BATCH DYEING [56] References Cited [72] Inventor: Manfred Schuierer, Erbach/Odenwald, UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany 2,555,269 5/1951 Chamberlin ..68/140 I Ass1gnee: Bruckner-Appll'ltebau 1 ll I I D I I Erbach/odewald, Germany 3,100,979 8/1963 Stanway ..68/150 [22] Filed: Dec. 15, 1970 3,596,481 8/1971 Wilcox ..68/150 [211 App! 1 98315 Primary Examiner-William I. Price Attorney-Marshall & Yeasting [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 23, 1969 Germany ..G 69 49 681.7 [57] ABSIRACT Oct. 21, 1970 Germany ..G 70 38 866.8 A dyeing chamber has a fluid-tight cover in its front wall, and has a drive shaft extending through a fluid-tight seal in its rear [52] US. Cl ..68/4, 68/20, 68/140, walL A fitting on the end of the drive shaft is adapted to be 68/150 coupled selectively with any one of a variety of goods-carrying [51] Int. Cl. ..B05c 8/02 m ber for rotating such member in the chamber, [58] Field of Search ..68/4, 8, 140, 150, 20

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAY 2|972 3,659,441

' SHEET nor 5 APPARATUS ron nncu nvrznvo BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an apparatus for batch dyeing of goods in various textile weaves.

Textile goods are according to their type dyed in batches in various forms. Thus in particular, flat pieces of goods of substantial width are dyed upon a perforated tube, which for the dyeing of goods having a raised textured pattern, vats containing reels, jet dyeing apparatus or the like is usually employed. In laboratory research, as well as in small and medium-size factories, it is necessary to have a frequent change in the form of textile which is to be dyed. This could be realized heretofore only with a relatively great installation expense, since the known dyeing apparatus is suitable only for a single form of textile or for very few forms of textiles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention accordingly has for its object to provide a dyeing apparatus which is universally suitable for the various forms of textiles.

In accordance with the invention, this object is attained in that in a treatment chamber, through the rear end of which a drive shaft is conducted through a seal, and the front end of which is in the form of a fluid-tight cover, various textile-carrying members may be selectively installed and coupled with the drive shaft.

By means of the drive shaft, the textile-carrying members may be placed in more of less rapid rotation; if desired, however, treatment with the goods stationary is also possible.

The goods-carrying member can be replaced by another goods-carrying member with little handling. The dyeing apparatus thus can be easily and quickly adapted for the most varied forms of textiles.

With small dyeing apparatus according to the invention, particularly with laboratory apparatus, the goods-carrying member which is being used can be mounted in a freely overhanging position on the drive shaft. With larger dyeing apparatus according to the invention, on the other hand, it is preferable to mount the goods-carrying member which is being used rotatably in bearing supports in the vicinity of both ends which are adjustable in the direction of the axis of the chamber. In this manner, is the goods-carrying member which is being usedon the one hand simply and conveniently mounted in the chamber and on the other hand can easily be installed in the chamber and removed from the chamber.

These and other details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a form of embodiment which is illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a dyeing apparatus according to the invention, with the dyeing reel installed.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the apparatus according to FIG. 1 (with the cover open).

FIGS. 3 and 4 are respectively a longitudinal section and a cross section through another goods-carrying member (drum).

FIGS. 5 and 6 are longitudinal sections through two other embodiments of goods-carrying members which may be installed in the apparatus according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an over-all layout of a dyeing apparatus according to the invention (arranged as laboratory apparatus).

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section through the treating chamber of the apparatus according to FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are longitudinal sections through two other embodiments of goods-carrying members, which can be installed in the chamber according to FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The dyeing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a horizontally arranged chamber 1, through the rear end 2 of which a drive shaft 3 extends, and the front end 4 of which is in the form of a fluid-tight cover. In this chamber, various types of goods-carrying members may be selectively installed. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a dyeing arbor 5 is illustrated as the goodscarrying member, which includes at both of its ends a collar 6 which is joumaled in a bearing support 7.

The construction of this hearing support 7 is particularly ap parent from FIG. 2. The bearing support consists of the two parts 7a and 7b and comprises three bearing rollers 8, on which the collar 6 of the dyeing arbor 5 is mounted. The lower part 71) of the bearing support is also provided with two rollers 9, by means of which the bearing support and therewith the entire dyeing arbor 5 is movable in the direction of the axis of the chamber 1 along guide rails 10.

In order to fix the dyeing arbor 5 in position in the chamber 1, two hydraulically operated pistons 11 are provided, which are guided in cylinders 12, and engage the upper bearing support portion 7a by means of a pressure plate 13 and a locating pin 14.

The coupling of the dyeing arbor 5 with the drive shaft 3 is accomplished by means of a dog 15 provided on the rear end of the dyeing arbor 5, which engages in an opening 16 of a socket 17 connected with the shaft 3. The socket 17 is in sealing engagement with the dyeing arbor 5 by means of sealing elements I8 as well as in sealing engagement with a pipe 19 which serves to supply the dye liquor.

With the cover 4 open and the pressure pistons 11 raised, the dyeing arbor 5 is moved into the chamber 1 by means of the movable bearing supports 7. At the end of the inward movement, the dog 15 comes into coupling engagement with the opening 16. Simultaneously, the scaling is effected in the region of the sealing elements 18. Then the cover 4 is closed and the pistons 11 are lowered, whereby the pins 14 come into engagement with the upper bearing support portions 70. The dyeing arbor 5 is thus secured in its position in the chamber 1. The dyeing operation then can be carried out, as liquor is introduced through pipe 19 and penetrates through the dyeing arbor 5 from the inside toward the outside. The discharge of the liquor takes place through a discharge connection which is not illustrated. During the dyeing operation the dyeing arbor 5 is rotated by means of the shaft 3.

In FIGS. 36 some other goods-carrying members which may be selectively installed in the chamber 1 are illustrated. FIG. 3 shows a drum 20, which is adapted, for example. to receive pieces of goods which are not wound in rolls. It comprises at its ends, like the dyeing arbor 5 of FIG. I, the collars 6 by which it is supported in the bearing supports 7. In order to transmit the rotary movement of the drive shaft 3 to the drum 20, a dog 15 is also provided. The drum 20 of FIGS. 3 and 4 comprises a rib 21 extending longitudinally, by means of which during the rotation of the drum a stabilization of the position of the goods contained in the drum is attained; for introduction and removal of the goods into or out of the drum, a portion of the drum circumference serves as a door 22.

FIG. 5 shows a goods-carrying member 24 which is adapted to receive spools 25 (shown in the upper portion of the figure) or skeins 26 (shown in the lower portion of the figure). The spools 25 or skeins 26 are mounted upon the periphery of separate tubes 27, through which the introduction of the dye liquor takes place from the end walls 28 and 29 of the goodscarrying member. Also in this case, the goods-carrying member is provided at each end with a collar 6, by means of which it is joumaled in the bearing supports 7.

FIG. 6 shows a goods-carrying member 30 in the form of a flock-casing. It comprises, in a drum having a perforated outer surface, a pipe 31 for supplying the dye liquor.

The apparatus embodying the invention illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises, in a frame 41 in the form of a casing, a treatment chamber 42 adapted to receive the goods, a driving motor (not shown) a pump 43 for supplying the dye liquor, an apparatus 44 arranged in the circulating system for heating and for cooling the dye liquor, a liquor storage chamber 45 as well as an apparatus for preparing the dye liquor to be used, consisting of a distillation vessel 46, a cooler 47, a water separator 48 as well as a collecting chamber 49. Further, a heating apparatus 50 for warming the drying air is provided, a pump 51 arranged between the collecting chamber 49 and the storage chamber 45, as well as two coolers 52 and 53.

In order to carry out a dyeing operation, the storage chamber 45 is first filled with the solvent, and the dye stuff and the assistant are introduced. The goods to be dyed, on a suitable goods-carrying member (as will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8-10) are introduced into the treatment chamber 42. After closing of the door of the chamber, the pump 43 is started, to transfer the dye liquor from the storage chamber 45 through the duct 55, provided with a safety valve 54, into the treatment chamber. The valve 57 located in an overflow duct 56 is open at this time.

When the treatment chamber 42 is to be operated at full flow, the pump 43 transfers dye liquor from the storage chamber 45 into the chamber 42,until liquor begins to flow back into the storage chamber 45 through the duct 56; then the .valve 58 located between the pump 43 and the storage chamber 45 is closed, and instead thereof the circulating valve 59 located between the pump 43 and the chamber 42 is open.

The dye liquor now circulates from the pump 43 through the chamber 42 and the apparatus 44, in which it is heated to the desired temperature. After attainment of this temperature, the dyeing operation is carried out for a predetermined period of time, while the dye is being absorbed from the liquor by the goods. By turning the three-way valve 60, the direction of flow of the dye liquor can be reversed.

After the dye has been absorbed by the goods, the dye liquor is cooled by means of the apparatus 44. By turning the valve 60, the'liquor is then drained into the distillation vessel 46. The distilled liquor is condensed by means of the cooler 47, and after passing the water separator 48 reaches the collecting chamber 49. From here it can be returned to the storage chamber 45 by means of the pump 51 for a new dyeing operation.

In order to dry the dyed goods in the treatment chamber 42, drying air is supplied to the chamber by means of the valve 61, which may be heated by means of the heating apparatus 50. After passing through the goods, this air is discharged from the chamber 42 through a connection 62.

The cooler 52 comes into operation if the chamber 42 is not operated under pressure. The solvent evaporated in the chamber 42 then condenses in the cooler 52 and flows back into the chamber 42. The purpose of the cooler 53 is to condense volatiles coming from the liquor flowing through the duct 56, and to return them to the storage chamber 45.

FIG. 8 shows the treatment chamber 42 in detail. At its front end, facing the operator, it is closed by a removable cover 63, which contains an inspection window 64. Through the rear wall 65 of the container, a shaft 66 extends with a liquid-tight seal, and it is driven from a motor (not shown) by means of a variable speed drive. The shaft 66, adjacent to the rear wall, is surrounded by a cylinder 67 which is spaced from the shaft, and which is provided with a connection 68 through which the dye liquor is introduced (duct 75 in FIG. 7). The further connections of the chamber 42 which are indicated in FIG. 7 are not illustrated in FIG. 8. I

According to FIG. 8, a perforated conical housing 77 serves to receive the goods to be dyed in the form of a tapered skein 76, which housing at its right end is fixed to a rear flange. 78 and at its left end is provided with a removable flange 79, which can be tightened upon the housing 77 by means of a tension bolt 80 and a take up nut 81. The bolt 80 carries at its right end a threaded bore 82, into which the threaded end 70 of the drive shaft 66 can be screwed. In the assembled state, the rear flange 78 by means of the conical surface 78a engages a corresponding conical surface 72a of the bearing housing 72.

The dye liquor entering through the connection 68 into the annular space which extends between the shaft 66 and the cylinder 67 flows into the interior of the perforated housing 77 and thence travels in a radial direction through the goods to be dyed. From the treatment chamber 42, the dye liquor is then withdrawn through the connection 74. It will be understood that the direction of flow also may be reversed.

The goods-carrying member, with little handling, can be replaced by another goods-carrying member. FIGS. 9 and 10 show two further embodiments of goods-carrying members which can be installed in the apparatus.

The goods-carrying member according to FIG. 9 serves to receive the goods to be dyed in the form of a small reel. In contrast to theembodiment of FIG. 8, the central housing here is constructed in the form of a cylinder 77 FIG. 10 shows a cylindrical receptacle for receiving loose goods, for example flock. It comprises an outer perforated cylinder portion 84, an inner perforated cylinder portion 85, a fixed rear wall 86 with a threaded seat 87 which can be screwed onto the shaft end 70, as well as an axially adjustable tensioning flange 88, which presses the goods together into the desired volume and is securedin its clamping position by means of elements which are not shown.

The goods-carrying members which have been described are only given as examples. It will be understood that in the treatment chamber 42, for example, drums (with or without longitudinal ribs), similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be installed. For smaller installations, particularly in laboratory apparatus, the joumaling of the goods-carrying member at one end as in FIG. 8 suffices (in contrast to the joumaling of the goods-carrying member at both ends according to FIG. I).

The apparatus embodying the invention is fundamentally suitable for all kinds of dyeing media. A preferred field of application, however, consists in dyeing with organic solvents, particularly with chlorinated hydrocarbons. Since for dyeing installations of this type the handling of the solvent (for recovery and reuse) is relatively expensive, it proves to be particularly advantageous. when one and the same dyeing chamber, with its auxiliary apparatus, can be used for handling the solvent with the various forms of textiles i.e. for various types of goods-carrying members.

lclaim:

1. An apparatus for batch dyeing of various forms of textile materials, comprising a dyeing chamber having a fluid-tight cover in its front wall, and having a drive shaft extending through a fluid-tight seal in its rear wall and a fitting on the end of the drive shaft which is adapted to be coupled selectively with any one of a variety of goods-carrying members, for rotating such member in the chamber.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pair of bearing supports which are adapted to mount a goods-carrying member at its two ends for rotation in the chamber, and which are axially movable in the chamber.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each bearing support is divided into two parts.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least one fluid pressure-operated piston cooperates with a bearing support to fix the axial position of a goods-carrying member in the chamber.

5. An apparatus according to claim I wherein the fitting on the end of the drive shaft is adapted to support a goods-carrying member in an overhanging position.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goodscarrying member in the form of an arbor.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a horizontal goods-carrying member which is adapted to hold a spool or skein.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goodscarrying member in the form of a drum which has a perforated periphery and is provided with a longitudinal rib.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goodscarrying member in the form of a flock container.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goodscarrying member in the form of a perforated housing having end flanges.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pump for supplying dye liquor to the chamber, a recirculating system connected to the chamber, having apparatus for heating and cooling the liquor, a dye liquor storage vessel and a dye preparation vessel connected to the pump and apparatus for 5 passing hot air through the chamber to dry the dyed goods.

* III I 

1. An apparatus for batch dyeing of various forms of textile materials, comprising a dyeing chamber having a fluid-tight cover in its front wall, and having a drive shaft extending through a fluid-tight seal in its rear wall and a fitting on the end of the drive shaft which is adapted to be coupled selectively with any one of a variety of goods-carrying members, for rotating such member in the chamber.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pair of bearing supports which are adapted to mount a goods-carrying member at its two ends for rotation in the chamber, and which are axially movable in the chamber.
 3. An apparatus acCording to claim 2 wherein each bearing support is divided into two parts.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least one fluid pressure-operated piston cooperates with a bearing support to fix the axial position of a goods-carrying member in the chamber.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fitting on the end of the drive shaft is adapted to support a goods-carrying member in an overhanging position.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goods-carrying member in the form of an arbor.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a horizontal goods-carrying member which is adapted to hold a spool or skein.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goods-carrying member in the form of a drum which has a perforated periphery and is provided with a longitudinal rib.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goods-carrying member in the form of a flock container.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a goods-carrying member in the form of a perforated housing having end flanges.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pump for supplying dye liquor to the chamber, a recirculating system connected to the chamber, having apparatus for heating and cooling the liquor, a dye liquor storage vessel and a dye preparation vessel connected to the pump and apparatus for passing hot air through the chamber to dry the dyed goods. 